The Boy in the Stripped Pyjamas by John Boyne
Folder work being assessed for Reading.
How is Lieutenant Kotler presented in the novel and to what purpose?
Comment on
 -what Kotler's words and action reveal about him as a character and
'Outwith'?
 -how the reader responds to Kotler
 -how Boyne uses language to influence the reader.
Opening paragraph:
Explain what kind of character Kotler is.
Note that he is not presented as all evil and suggest reasons for this.
Physical descriptions.
Note that one way of presenting character is by describing what they look like.
Explain what the physical description of Kotler suggests about his character and
try to link this with the historical context of the novel (e.g. why is Kotler’s blond
hair noted?).
Words and actions.
Explain how the writer presents Kotler through his words and actions. What do
Kotler’s actions tell the reader about him as a character and ‘Out-With’ as a place?
Also comment on the writer’s use of language- which words have impact on the
reader and why?
Character opinions.
Explain how the reader is made aware of Bruno and Shmuel’s opinions of Kotler.
Explain what more information we learn about Kotler as a character and how we as
readers are encouraged to view him. Explain how Kotler treats Bruno and Shmuel
differently; explain why this is and link to historical context on the novel. Comment
on what message the writer is trying to convey to the reader.
Concluding ideas.
Overall all explain why Kotler is important.
Think about what his characters reveals about the time the novel is set.
Also comment on what point the writer is making through his presentation of
character- note that the novel is described as a modern fable.
Redhill School
Autumn 2006